James Wan previously directed the first Saw movie as well as the supernatural thriller Insidious (Picture: Getty Images)

Director James Wan is reportedly being lined up to direct the seventh Fast and Furious film following the departure of franchise regular Justin Lin.

According to US magazine Deadline Wan – who is better known for a string of horror hits including Saw and Insidious – is top of a shortlist which also included Jeff Wadlow (Kick-Ass 2), Harold Zwart (The Karate Kid) and Baltazar Kormakur, who directed Mark Wahlberg in the thriller Contraband.

Wan’s latest film, the supernatural thriller The Conjuring, is due for release in July, while a sequel to Insidious is also due out before the end of the year.

Lin – who is leaving the series after directing the last three instalments, including the yet-to-be-released Fast and Furious 6 – has already given Wan his seal of approval, despite the fact his involvement has yet to be fully confirmed.

‘I’m extremely proud to be part of the Fast franchise, it is an experience I will always treasure,’ the director said.

‘It’s time for me to move on to other things and I’m thrilled that Universal and producer Neal Moritz have selected James Wan to lead the franchise into its new chapter.’

Fast and Furious 6, which is set in and around London, stars Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Luke Evans and Michelle Rodriguez, as well as featuring Rita Ora in her movie debut.